AKG Perception 120 & 220 Condenser Microphones
User Manual
1. Precaution and Unpacking
1.1 Precaution
Ensure the equipment connected to the microphone fulfills the safety regulations in force in your country and is fitted with a ground lead.
1.2 Unpacking
Check that the packaging contains all listed items for your microphone. Contact your AKG dealer if any item is missing.
PERCEPTION 120 Contents:
- Microphone
- Stand adapter
- Mini poster
PERCEPTION 220 Contents:
- Microphone
- Spider suspension
- Carrying case
- Mini poster
2. Description
2.1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing an AKG product. This manual provides important instructions for setting up and operating your equipment. Please read these instructions carefully before use and keep the manual for future reference.
The AKG PERCEPTION 120 and PERCEPTION 220 are heavy-duty, rugged condenser microphones built to strict quality standards. The PERCEPTION 120 features a 2/3-inch back electret diaphragm, while the PERCEPTION 220 utilizes a 1-inch large diaphragm true condenser design. These microphones are designed for recording, live sound, and broadcasting applications.
2.2 Features
- Cardioid polar pattern: The microphone is most sensitive to sounds from the front, with reduced sensitivity to sounds from the sides and rear. This makes it suitable for both recording and onstage use.
- Gold-sputtered diaphragm: The diaphragm is constructed from a plastic foil sputtered with gold on one side, preventing shorting to the back electrode even at very high sound pressure levels.
- All-metal body: The robust all-metal body enhances RF interference rejection and protects the microphone from damage during handling, especially on stage.
- High headroom, minimum distortion: Capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 150 dB (PERCEPTION 120) or 155 dB (PERCEPTION 220) without significant distortion. The microphones are built to withstand high temperatures and humidity, ensuring excellent performance across various applications.
- Bass cut filter: Selector 1 on the microphone front reduces low-end distortion caused by sources like footfall or wind noise. It also minimizes the proximity effect common with close-miking. The filter rolls off at 12 dB/octave starting from 300 Hz.
- Switchable preattenuation pad: Selector 2 on the microphone front increases headroom by 20 dB, enabling distortion-free close-in recording. This pad prevents overloading miniature transformers in mixer input stages, particularly at low frequencies.
2.3 Optional Accessories
- PF 80 studio pop screen
- ST 305 floor stand
- W 4000 external windscreen
3. Interfacing
3.1 General
This section applies to both the PERCEPTION 120 and PERCEPTION 220. The microphones use a condenser transducer requiring 48-volt phantom power, compliant with DIN 45 596/IEC 268-15, and necessitate an external power supply.
3.2 Pinout
The microphone provides a balanced output via a 3-pin male XLR connector:
- Pin 1: ground
- Pin 2: hot
- Pin 3: cold
3.3 Connecting the Microphone
Refer to Figure 2.
- Connect the microphone to a balanced XLR input with phantom power using an XLR cable.
- Turn on the phantom power. Consult the user manual of your connected unit for specific instructions.
Figure 2 Description: Shows the connection of a microphone to a balanced input with phantom power, illustrating the XLR cable and connector pinout for ground, hot, and cold signals.
4. Using Your Microphone
4.1 General Hints
The PERCEPTION 120 and PERCEPTION 220 are versatile cardioid microphones suitable for recording, broadcast, and onstage use. Optimal sound quality depends on microphone placement, so experimentation is recommended.
- Microphone Orientation: The front of the microphone is identified by the AKG logo. Aim the logo directly at the sound source you wish to record. As a unidirectional (cardioid) microphone, it will pick up minimal sound from the rear.
- Vocal/Instrument Proximity: When recording vocals or wind instruments, avoid blowing or singing directly into the microphone. To prevent unwanted wind and pop noise or moisture issues, use an optional AKG PF 80 pop screen placed between the microphone and the performer/instrument.
- Moisture Protection: Keep the microphone dry. Moisture from breath or high ambient humidity can cause crackling or a significant drop in output due to partial short circuits in the polarization voltage.
- Outdoor Use: For outdoor applications, use an optional AKG W 4000 windscreen to protect the microphone from moisture and reduce wind noise.
- High Volume Instruments: For close-miking very loud instruments (e.g., brass, kick drum), engage the preattenuation pad to increase the microphone's capacity to handle high sound pressure levels.
- Low-Frequency Noise Suppression: To reduce low-frequency noise such as air conditioning rumble, footfall, or traffic sounds, activate the bass cut filter.
5. Cleaning
To clean the microphone body, use a soft cloth slightly moistened with water.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| No sound. |
|
|
| Distortion. |
|
|
| Crackling noises or low output. | Partial short circuits due to excessive humidity. | Place the microphone in a warm, dry room and allow it to dry. |
7. Specifications
7.1 PERCEPTION 120
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | 2/3-inch back electret condenser, pressure-gradient microphone |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Open-circuit sensitivity | 18 mV/Pa (-35 dBV) |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Impedance | < 200 ohms |
| Recommended load impedance | > 1200 ohms |
| Equivalent noise level (CCIR 468-2) | 32 dB |
| Equivalent noise level (IEC 60268-4, A-weighted) | 22 dB-A |
| Signal/noise ratio (re 1 Pa, A-weighted) | 72 dB |
| Max. SPL for 0.5% THD | 130 / 150 dB SPL (0 / -20 dB pad) |
| Environment | Temperature: -10°C to +60°C, R.H.: 80% (+25°C) |
| Powering | 48 V ±4 V phantom power (to DIN 45 596 / IEC 268-15) |
| Current consumption | < 2 mA |
| Connector | 3-pin XLR (pin 2 hot) |
| Dimensions | 53 dia. x 165 mm high / 2 x 6.5 in. |
| Net weight | 525 g / 1.2 lbs. |
| Bass cut filter slope | 12 dB/octave, 300 Hz |
| Preattenuation pad | -20 dB (switchable) |
7.2 PERCEPTION 220
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | 1-inch large-diaphragm, true condenser, pressure-gradient microphone |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Open-circuit sensitivity | 18 mV/Pa (-35 dBV) |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Impedance | < 200 ohms |
| Recommended load impedance | > 1200 ohms |
| Equivalent noise level (CCIR 468-2) | 26 dB |
| Equivalent noise level (IEC 60268-4, A-weighted) | 16 dB-A |
| Signal/noise ratio (re 1 Pa, A-weighted) | 78 dB |
| Max. SPL for 0.5% THD | 135 / 155 dB SPL (0 / -20 dB pad) |
| Environment | Temperature: -10°C to +60°C, R.H.: 80% (+25°C) |
| Powering | 48 V ±4 V phantom power (to DIN 45 596 / IEC 268-15) |
| Current consumption | < 2 mA |
| Connector | 3-pin XLR (pin 2 hot) |
| Dimensions | 53 dia. x 165 mm high / 2 x 6.5 in. |
| Net weight | 525 g / 1.2 lbs. |
| Bass cut filter slope | 12 dB/octave, 300 Hz |
| Preattenuation pad | -20 dB (switchable) |
FCC Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Contact Information
AKG Acoustics GmbH
Lemböckgasse 21–25, 1230 Vienna/AUSTRIA, phone: +43-1 86654-0*
e-mail: sales@akg.com
AKG Acoustics, U.S.
8400 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329, U.S.A, phone: +1 818 920-3212
e-mail: akgusa@harman.com
For other products and distributors worldwide, visit www.akg.com.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
